Lt. Gen. N. K. Singh, GOC of 3 Corps handing over a silver trophy to Viswema Village Council chairman Ketsore Mekro for their contribution and cooperation during the disaster on August 18 when the ill-fated helicopter crashed in the village jurisdiction. (NP)

General Officer Commanding Spear Corps Lt Gen NK Singh, AVSM, VSM paid a goodwill visit to Viswema village on Monday. A function was held in recognition of the spontaneous and whole-hearted voluntary support of the entire fraternity of Viswema village and surrounding areas, to the army in their hour of need.Appreciating the contribution and cooperation by the Viswema village during the disaster on August 18 when the ill-fated helicopter crashed in the jurisdiction of the village, Lt. Gen. N. K. Singh, GOC of 3 Corps on Monday handed over a silver trophy to Viswema village.Speaking at the Viswema Village Council hall Lt. Gen. N. K. Singh, GOC of 3 Corps, recalled the contribution and cooperation of all the villagers of Viswema village during the disaster. He also said the entire village had contributed in various ways to detect the ill-fated chopper, retrieve the bodies and accorded a warm farewell programme before the bodies were taken away to 3 Corps headquarter.Elucidating that such co- operative and positive approach of the people motivates the soldiers and aids the army in effectively discharging it’s duties towards their countrymen, Singh stated Nagas have always been supportive of army, and that the latest instance only highlighted the mutual respect and the historical bonding achieved over the years. Lt. Gen. N. K. Singh also appealed to the villagers to take advantage of the Military Civic Action (MCA) programme for the development of the society and the state, adding it was only a small contribution that 3 Corps could give them as a token of love.While stressing that only cooperation and mutual understanding could bring all round development, he also articulated on the need for a peaceful atmosphere throughout Nagaland to witness speedy development. In his welcome address Viswema village council chairman, Ketsore Mekro expressed gratitude to the GOC for his personal visit and also presented him a gift. While expressing grief over the untimely demise of three young officials killed in the helicopter crash, he said the incident was a call for humanitarian service and further lauded the commitment of the army in fostering development in the. Maj General R.N Singh, GOC 56th Infantry Division also attended the program.